Railway traffic controlling apparatus



Cat. 1, 1940.

E. M. ALLEN RAILWAY TRAFFIC CONTROLLING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1939 aE m ms JIL. ll @u Q mvm gmw r mw gwww HIS ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 1 1940UNITED STATES RAILWAY TRAFFIC CONTROLLING APPARATUS J I Earl M. Allen,Swissvale, Pa., assignor to The Union Switch & Signal Company,Swissvale,' Pa., a. corporation of Pennsylvania Application June 16,1939, Serial No, 279,516

22 Claims.

My invention relates to railway traffic controlling apparatus of thetype involving switches and-signals controlled by manually operablemeans, such for example as levers located at a I control point, and hasfor an object the provision of means for accomplishing the control andindication for switches and signals with a minimum number of line wiresbetween the control point and the controlled device. A further object of1.? my invention is the provision of an operating circuit for switchesand signals using the same line wires as are used for control andindication circuits. I shall describe two forms of apparatus embodyingmy invention, and shall then point out the novel features thereof inclaims.

In the accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showingapparatus embodying -my invention for controlling, operating and ingodicating a switch over a pair of control conductors and a commonconductor, and for controlling, operating and indicating opposingsignals over a pair of control conductors and the same common conductoras is used for the switch. Fig. 2 is a .25 diagrammatic view showing amodification of the switch operating circuit shown in Fig. 1.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts in each of theseveral views.

In each of the views, the contacts operated by 3 the various relays orother devices are identified by numbers, such numbers havingdistinguishing prefixes from which they are separated by a dash when thecontacts are shown apart from the relay or other device by which theyare operated.

The prefix for each of these contact numbers comprises the referencecharacter for the respective relay or other device by which it isoperated. For example, contact RI-ISPR50 shown in the operating circuitfor signal 2R is identified by the number 50 separated by a dash fromthe prefix RHSPR which is the reference character for relay RI-ISPR bywhich this contact is operated. Similarly, contact RWR--5'l shown in anoperating circuit for switch I in Fig. 2 is identified by the number 51separated by a dash from the prefix RWR which is the reference characterfor relay RWR by which this contact is operated.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the reference characters 3 and 3a. designatethe track rails of a track section E-F which is separated by means ofinsulated joints 4' from adjacent portions of a stretch of railwaytrack. Track section E-F is provided with a track circuit including abattery 5 connected across the rails adjacent one end of 55 the section,and a track relay TR connected (oi. saw-219i across the rails adjacentthe opposite end of section.

Located in section EF is a track switch I. This switch is operated fromeach of its extreme positions to the'other by electrically controllableswitch operating means, such for example as motor M comprising anarmature 28, a field winding 3|, and operating circuit controlling meansenclosed by the dash line rectangle 3'! and comprising normal controlmagnets 35 and 36, reverse control magnets 63 and 64,- and the contactscontrolled by these control magnets. Each of these contacts comprisesamovablebridging element engaging pairs of fixed contact elements. Forexample, bridging element b, in the normal position in which it isshown, engages fixed contact elements 26 and 21, and in the reversedotted line position engages fixed contact elements '40 and M. Bridgingelement 1) is moved to the normal position upon completion of anoperation of 20 switch I by motorM to its normal position, and is movedto its reverse or dash-line position upon completion of an operation ofswitch I by motor M to the reverse position.

Manual switch operating means, such for ex- 5 ample as a lever 22, isalso provided for at times operating switch I manually.

A selector, such for example as a lever VS, is provided with means, suchfor example as a link I 6, for adapting switch I for operation by motor0 M or by lever 12 according as lever VS is in a normal position n or areverse position 1', respectively.

Operation of motor M for moving switch I to itsnormal and reversepositions is eifected by normal and reverse operating circuits whichinclude a contact 320i selector lever VS in the normal position,contacts of the circuit controlling means shown in rectangle 31, and thecontacts of a switch locking relay LR, and which are controlled bynormal and reverse switch control re- 40 lays NWR and RWR, respectively,as well as by normal and reverse manual switch control relays NWSR andRWSR, respectively, over line, control-conductors 9l0 and H-I2 and"common 4 conductor CH. Relay LR may be controlled by track relay TR andby an approach locking relay or by any other means desired. The approachlocking relay for controlling relay LR may be controlled in any suitablemanner, such for ex- 5 ample as shown for relay L in Letters Patent ofthe United States No. 1,956,851, granted May 1, 1934, to 'C. A. Brooksand J. M. Pelikan for Railway traffic controlling apparatus.

. Normal and reverse switch control relays NWR 5 the and RWR are alsocontrolled over line conductors 9l0 and Il|2 and common conductor CH bynormal and reverse manual switch control relays NWSR and RWSR,respectively, and by a selector lever repeater relay WLPR which is inturn controlled by selector lever VS in its normal position.

An overload relay OR is included in the normal and reverse switchcontrol circuits for relays NWR and RWR and in the normal and reverseswitch operating circuits for motor M. This relay, through its backcontact 1, opens the circuits for manual switch control relays NWSR andRWSR if the motor M draws excessive current, such for example as whenitis obstructed by a stone or lump of coal. Relay OR. will also open thecircuit for relays NWSR and RWSR if an attempt is made to controltheswitch by these relays when the selector lever VS is in its reverseposition for manual operation of switch When the switch mechanismcontacts shown in the dash line rectangle 31 are operated upon thecompletion of a movement of switch I to'one of its extreme positions orthe other, a snubbing or braking circuit is completed for motor Mincluding a resistor 38 of low magnitude and the back point of contact Mof relay NWR or the back point of contact 24 of relay RWR.

Normal and reverse switch indication relays designated by the referencecharacters NWKR and RWKR, respectively, and which are of the slowreleasing type, are controlled by relays NWSR, RWSR, NWR and RWR and byswitch I over indication circuits which include line control conductors9lll and H\I2. Suitable indication means, such for example as lamps INKand IRK, are controlled by relays NWKR and RWKR, respectively.

Adjacent the point E, a signal ER is located for governing trafiicmovements over switch I from left to right as shown in the drawing,which I shall assume is the eastbound direction. Signal ZLA, adjacentpoint F, is for governing westbound traffic movements over switch I inthe normal position in'which it is shown in the drawing. Signal ZLB,adjacent point Fl,'is for governing westbound movements over switch I inthe reverse position.

As shown in the drawing, signals 2LA and ZLB are semaphore signals, and.signal 2R is a searchlight signal, but it is not necessary for purposesof my invention that thesignals shall be of these particular types. Eachof the signals ZLA and ZLB operates a contact 2! which is closed whileits signal arm is in the stop position, and which opens when the armleaves this position. Each of the signals ZLA and 2LB also operates acontact 22 which is closed while the associated sig nal arm is in thestop position, and which remains closed until the corresponding arm hasalmost reached the 45 degree or caution position.

As shown in the drawing, signal 2R comprises a member I 8 mounted tooscillate between two extreme positions and controlled by a winding [9and by a permanent magnet or an electro magnet not shown, so thatwhenwinding I9 is energized, member [8 is movedto its position to theleft of the normal or ,deenergized position in which it is shown in thedrawing. Member I8 is biased to the deenerg'ized position, which itoccupies when .winding 18 is deenergized. Member [8 carries tworoundels; R and Y arranged to cooperate with an electric lamp i in suchmanner that when member I8 is in the deenergized position, roundel R isin front of lamp 2, whereas when member I8 is swung to the left, roundelY is placed in front of lamp 1'. As shown in the drawing, lamp i isabove the roundels, but the lamp is placed in this location for"purposes of illustration, and it is to be understood that in actualpractice, the lamp is directly behind the roundels. Lamp 2' is connecteddirectly with terminals as and o of a suitable source of current and is,therefore, constantly lighted. Signal 2R operates a contact 20 which isclosed when member l8 occupies the R position, but is open when memberl8 occupies the Y position. A signal of this type is disclosed andclaimed in Letters Patent of the United States No. 1,864,224 granted toWesley -B. Wells on June 21, 1932 for Light signals.

conductor CH, and by a signal control relay LHSPR and also by switch I,aswell as by other means indicated by the dash line portion 55 of theoperating circuit and which may include a contact of relay TR.

Signal control relays LHSPR and RHSPR are controlled by manual signalcontrol relays LHSR and RHSR and by selector lever repeater relay WLPRover signal control conductors 41-48 and 45-46 and common conductor CH.

Signal indication relays, designated by the reference characters RHGKRand LHDGKR, are controlled by relays LI-ISR, HHS-R, LHSPR and RHS-PRover indication circuits including signal control conductors 4'I48 and45-46. Relay RI-IGKR is also controlled by a slow re lease signalrepeater relay RRGPR, and relay LHDGKR is also controlled by a signalrepeater stick relay designated by the reference character LGKSR.Suitable indication means, such for example as lamps ZRK and 2LK, arecontrolled by relays RI-IGKR and LHDGKR, respectively.

Relay ERG-PR is controlled by contact 20 of signal 2R. Relay LGKSR has apick-up circuit which is controlled by contacts 21 of signals ZLA andZLB, and has a stick circuit which is controlled by contacts 22 of thesesignals.

Manual switch control relays NWSR and RWSR, and manual signal controlrelays LHSR and RHSR- may be code controlled by manual means such, forexample, as levers IV and 2V, respectively. Each of the levers IV and 2Vhas a normal position 12 and a reverse position 1 to the right. Lever 2Vhas also a reverse position I to the left. The control circuits for themanual control relays, indicated by the dash lines, are so arranged thatmanual operation is required by the leverman to again energize each ofthese relays each time one of these relays becomes deenergized, eventhough the corresponding lever IV or 2V remains in one of thecorrespond.- ing control positions shown in the drawing. Switch controlrelays having control circuits arranged to require such manual operationare shown in United States Patent No. 1,845,112 granted to me February16, 1932 and in Fig. 11 of United States Patent No. 2,046,049 granted tome June 30, 1936, for Railway traific controlling apparatus.

, Fig. 2 shows a modification of the switch oper ating circuits for atype of switch mechanism in which the switch operating circuits areopened at the end of the switch movement by a movable contact element 59operated in conjunction with the switch. Movable element 59 engages afixed contact element 58 at all times except while switch I is in itsreverse position, and engages a second fixed contact element fill at alltimes except while switch I occupies the normal position. In thismodification, the snubbing circuits are not used, and hence resistor 38at the back points of contacts I4 and 24 of relays NWR and RWR,respectively, is omitted.

Having described, in general, the arrangement and operation of two formsof apparatus embodying my invention, I shall now trace in detail theoperation of these forms of apparatus.

As shown in the drawing, all parts of the apparatus are in the normal.condition, that is, the switch and signal control levers IV and 2V,respectively, selector lever VS, and manual switch operating lever v areall in their normal position 12; switch I is in its normal position;signals 2R, 2LA and 2LB are indicating stop; relays TR, NWSR, NWR, NWKR,WLPR, LR, RRGPR and LGKSR are energized; relays OR, RWSR, RWR, RWKR,LHSR, LHSPR, RHSR, RHSPR, LHDGKR and RHGKR are deenergized; switchindicating lamp INK is lighted; switch indicating lamp IRK, and signalindicating lamps ELK and 2RK areunlighted.

I shall first trace the operation of the form of apparatus shown in Fig.1.

Relay NWSR is energized by a circuit indicated by dash lines betweenlever IV in the 12 position and the winding of relay NWSR, and only aportion of which is shown in detail, including contact I of relay OR.Relay WLPR is energized by a circuit passing from a terminal BL of asuitable source of current, through contact 8 of selector lever VS, andthe winding of relay WLPR to the other terminal CL'of the same source ofcurrent. With relays NWSR and WLPR energized, a circuit is closed forenergizing relay NWR, this circuit passing from terminal BH of asuitable source of current, through the winding of relay OR, front pointof contact 9 of relay NWSR, line conductor 9I0, back point of contactRWR-II], winding of relay NWR, and contact I3 of relay WLPR to the otherterminal CH of the same source of current.

With relays NWSR and NWR energized and switch I in the normal position,relay NWKR is energized by its circuit passing from terminal BH, throughthe winding of relay OR, front point of contact 9 of relay NWSR, linecontrol conductor 9I0, front point of contact I4 of relay NWR, contactI5 of switch I closed in the normal position, contact I6 of relay RWR,front point of contact NWR-42, control conductor II-I2, back point ofcontact II of relay RWSR, and winding of relay NWKR to terminal CH. Withrelay NWKR energized, indication lamp INK is energized by its circuitincluding contact I! of relay NWKR.

Relay RRGPR is energized by a circuit passing from terminal BL, throughcontact 20 of signal 2R, and winding of relay RRGPR to terminal CL.Relay LGKSR is also energized, both its pick-up and its stick circuitbeing closed. The pick-up circuit for this relay passes from terminalBL, through contact 2I of signal 2LA, the similar contact 2| of signal2LB, and the winding of relay LGKSR to terminal CL. The

stick circuit for this relay passes from terminal BL, through contact 22of signal 2LA, similar contact 22 of signal 2LB, contact 23 of relayLGKSR, and. the winding of relay LGKSR to terminal CL.

I shall assume that the leverman desires to reverse switch I. He willtherefore move lever IV to its r, position, thereby deenergizingrelayNWSR and causing relay RWSR to be energized. RelayNWKR is nowdeenergized, causing indicator INK to also be deenergized. With relayNWSR deenergized, relay NWR will become deenergized, thereby completinga circuit for relay RWR, passing from terminal BH, through the windingof relay OR, front point of contact II of relay RWSR, conductor III2,back point of contact NWRI2, winding of relay RWR, and contact 13 ofrelay WLPR to terminal CH. With relays RWSR and RWR energized, a reverseoperating circuit is completed for switch I, passing from terminal BH,through the winding of relay OR, front point of contact II of relayRWSR, conductor II-I2, front point of contact 24 of relay RWR, contact25 of relay LR, switch mechanism contact 26-41-21, armature 28 of motorM, switch mechanism contact 29c-30, field winding 3| of motor M, andcontact 32 of selector lever VS toterminal CH.

At the completion of the operation of switch I to its reverse position,the bridging elements of the switch mechanism contacts, a, b and 0, willall be in their dash line positions,thereby completing the reversesnubbing circuit for motor M, passing from terminal CH, through resistor38, back point of contact I4 of relay NWR, contact 39 of relayLR, switchmechanism contact 40b-4 I armature 2B of motor M, switch mechanismcontact 42--c-3Il, field winding 3I, and contact 32 of lever VS toterminal CH. Motor M now acts as a generator, supplying current to thissnubbing circuit, which therefore serves as a brake on the movement ofmotor M and helps to bring it to a stop.

With switch I occupying its reverse position, the reverse indicationcircuit is completed, passing from terminal BH, through the winding ofrelay OR, front point of contact II of relay RWSR, conductor III2, frontpoint of contact 24 of relay RWR, contact I5 of switch I in its dashline position, contact 43 of relay NWR, front point of contact RWRID,conductor 9-H], back point of contact 9 of relay RWSR, and winding ofrelay RWKR to terminal CH. With relay RWKR energized, the reverseindicating lamp IRK becomes lighted by its circuit passing from terminalB, through contact I! of relay RWKR, lamp IRK, and terminal C of thesame source of current.

When the leverman desires to return switch I to the normal position, hereturns lever IV to its n position, causing relay RWSR to becomedeenergized, and relay NWSR to become energized. The operation of theother parts of the apparatus associated with the return of switch I tothe normal position is similar to the operation described for the partsassociated with the operation of switch I to the reverse position, andcan therefore be readily followed from the drawing without furtherdescription.

If, after the switch has been returned to the normal position, theleverman again desires to reverse the switch, he will again move leverIV to its 1' position, thereby again deenergizing relay NWSR, andenergizing relay RWSR and relay RWR, and thus again completing thereverse operating .circuit for motor M. If, for some reason, motor Mshould now draw excessive current, relay OR will open its contact 1,thereby deenergizing relay RWSR and opening the operating circuit formotor M at the front point of contact ll of relay RWSR. After the sourceof trouble has been removed, the leverman will again energize relayRWSR,thereby completing the operation of switch I to its reverse position.

I shall now assume that, after switch i has again been returned to thenormal position by the leverman, a trainman desires to reverse switch Iby hand. He will therefore move selector lever VS to its r position,thereby opening contacts 8 and 32 of lever VS. With contact 8 open,relay WLPR, becomes deenergized, thereby opening its contact [3 andcausing relay NWR to also become deenergized. Also, with relay WLPRdeenergized, a circuit is completed for energizing relay OR, thiscircuit passing from terminal BH, through the winding of relay OR, frontpoint of contact 9 of relay NT/VSR, conductor 9--i0, and contact WLPR,65to terminal CH. Relay OR then opens its contact 7, deenergizing relayNWSR which then remains deenergized until further manual operation bythe leverman even if lever IV is left in the position in which it isshown in the drawing. Relay NWSR, upon becoming deenergized, opens, atthe front point of its contact 9, the circuit just traced for relay OR,thereby causing relay OR to become deenergized. With contact 32 of leverVS open, the operating circuits for motor M are open at a common point,thus preventing either the normal or the reverse operating circuit formotor M from being closed until selector lever VS has again beenreturned to its 12 position.

I shall further assume that, while lever VS- is in its T position, theleverman reverses lever IV, causing relay RWS-R. to become energized. Acircuit is now completed for energizing relay OR, passing from terminalBH, through the winding of relay OR, front point of contact I! of relayRWSR, conductor i ii 2, and contact WLPR44 to terminal CH. Relay ORtherefore opens its contact I, causing relay RWSR to become deenergized.Relay RW'SR will then remain deenergized until the leverman again takesaction to cause it to become energized. In this. way, the storage ofswitch control by a leverman while lever VS is in the reverse positionfor hand operation of switch i by a trainman is prevented.

' I shall next assume that switch i has again been returned to thenormal position, and that the leverman desires to clear signal 2R. Hewill therefore move lever 2V to its 1* position, causing relay RHSR tobecome energized by its circuit controlled by movement of lever 2V tothe r position as indicated by the dash line between the 1" position oflever 2V and the winding of relay RHSR. With relay RHSR. energized, acircuit is completed for energizing relay RHSPR, this circuit passingthrough terminal BH, through the front point of contact 45 of relayRHSR, conductor 4546, back point of contact LHSPR-46, winding of relayRI-ISPR, and contact WLPR49 to terminal CH. With relay RHSPR. energized,winding ill of signal 2152. becomes energized by its circuit passingfrom terminal BL, through contact RHSPR-Bfl, other controlling contactsindicated by the dash line, and winding [9 of relay 2R to terminal CL.Member l8 of signal 2Rwill therefore now move to the Y position, causingsignal 25. to display the caution indication.

When member [8 of signal 2R leaves the R position, contact 20 of signal2R opens, causing relay RRGPR to become deenergized. With relay RRGPRdeenergized, a signal indication circuit is completed, passing fromterminal BH, through the front point of contact 45 of relay RHSR, lineconductor 45fl5, contact SI of relay RHSPR, contact 52 of relay LHSPR,contact RRGPR53, front point of contact RHSPR48, line conductor 4'i48,back point of contact 41 of relay LI-ISR, and the winding of relay RHGKRto terminal CH. With relay RHGKR energized, signal indication lamp 2RKwill become energized by its circuit including contact ll of relayRHGKR.

I shall now assume that the leverman returns signal 2R to the stopposition by deenergizing relay RHSR, and that he desires to clear signalZLA. He will therefore move lever 2V to the 1 position, causing relayLHSR to become energized by its circuit controlled by lever 2V in the fposition as indicated by the dash line between the ,f position of lever2V and the winding of relay LHSR. With relay LHSR energized, a circuitis completed for energizing relay IiI-ISPR, this circuit passing fromterminal BH, through the front point of contact 4? of relay LHSR, linecontrol conductor il-48, back point of contact RHSPR48, winding of relayLHSPR, and contact WIPE- i9 to terminal CH. With relay LHSPR energized,and assuming that switch I is in the normal position, the operatingcircuit for signal QLA will be completed, passing from terminal BH,through the front point of contact ll of relay IRS-R, conductor 4'l48,contact 55 of relay LHSPR, other control contacts indicated by the dashline portion '55 of the operating circuit, contact 56 of switch I closedin the normal position, and the mechanism of signal ZLA to terminal CH.

When the arm of signal 2LA leaves the horizontal or stop position,contact 2! of signal ZLA will open the pick-up circuit for relay LGKSRwhich, however, will remain energized by its stick circuit until contact22 of signal 211A opens the stick circuit for relay LGKSR. just beforethe arm of signal 2LA reaches the 45 degree or caution position. Whenrelay LGKSR becomes deenergized, an indication circuit will be completedfor energizing relay LHDGKR, this circuit passing from terminal BH,through the front point of contact 4'! of relay LHSR, conductor ll-48,contact 54 of relay LHSPR, contact (ii of relay RHSPR, contact LGKSR-62,front point of contact LHSPR l5, conductor l46, back point of contact 25of relay RHSR, and the winding of relay LHDGKR to terminal CH. Withrelay LHDGKR energized, indication lamp ZLK will become energized by itscircuit including contact ll of relay LHDGKR. The leverman will now knowthat the arm of signal ZLA has reached the 45 degree position.

When the leverman desires to return signa ZLA to the stop position, hewill return lever 2V to the 11. position, causing relay LHSR to becomedeenergized, which in turn causes relay LI-ISPR to become deenergized.With the operating circuit for signal 2LA thus open, the arm of signal2LA will return to the stop position, 1

If, when the arm of signal ZLA is in the caution position, the operatingcircuit for signal 2LA becomes open at the portion indicated by thenumeral 55, such for example as by the deenergizathe arm of signal 2LAactually reaches the stop position, relay LGKSR will not again becomeenergized until the arm of signal 2LA is in the zero degree position.The circuit for relay LHDGKR will therefore remain closed until the armof signal 2LA actually reaches the horizontal position, and lamp 2LKwill remain lighted. The leverman will therefore know, when lamp ZLKbecomes extinguished, that the arm of signal 2LA has dropped all the wayto the horizontal position.

I shall now describe the operation of the modification shown in Fig. 2.If the leverman desires to reverse switch I with the motor shown in Fig.2, he will move lever 1V to the 7 position, energizing relay RWR. aspreviously described. The reverse operating circuit for motor M willtherefore become closed, following the path previously traced inconnection with Fig. 1 as far as contact 25 of relay LR, then passingthrough armature 28 of motor M, contact RWR51, contact 5859 of switch I,field winding 3| of motor M, and contact 32 of selector VS to terminalCI-I. Motor M will therefore move switch I to the reverse position. Atthe completion of the operation of switch I to the reverse position,contact 58'-59 will open the reverse operating circuit.

From the foregoing description and the accompanying drawing, it followsthat in apparatus embodying my invention, operations of a railway trackswitch to normal and reverse positions are controlled by normal andreverse controlcircuits including a normal and a reverse line conductor,respectively, and a common conductor; normal and reverse operatingcircuits for the switch include the normal and reverse line conductors,respectively, and the common conductor;

and normal and reverse indication circuits for the switch include thenormal and reverse line conductors. Provision is made for preventingstorage of control of a switch by a leverman while the switch isarranged for manual operation by a trainman. A snubbing circuit isprovided for one form of switch motor upon completion of a switchmovement to either of its extreme positions.

Signal control, operation, and indications for opposing signalsgoverning trafiic movements over the switch are also similarlyaccomplished over two signal line control conductors and a commonconductor. In the accompanying drawing, the operating circuit for asignal for only one direction is'shown including one of the line controlconductors and the common conductor. If the same type of signal wereused for the other direction, the operating circuit for the signal forthat other direction could similarly include the other line controlconductor and the common conductor.

Although I have herein shown and described.

only two forms of apparatus embodying my invention, it is understoodthat various changes and modifications may be made therein within thescope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scopeof my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and asecond control relay, a first and a second as well as a commonconductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first andcommon conductors for energizing said first control relay, a secondmanually controllablecin.

cuit including said second and common'conduc-- tor for energizingsaidsecond control relay, an indication circuit includingsaid first andsecond conductors and a front contact'of said first con-;

trol relay, a second indication circuit including said first andsecondconductors and a front con-'' tact of said second control relay,means controlled by said first control relay in itsenergized conditionfor directing a first trafiic movement ove'rsaid stretch of track, meanscontrolled by said second control relay in its energized condition fordirecting a second trafiic movement over said stretch of track, andindication means controlled by said first and second indicationcircuits.

2. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and asecond contro-l device each capable of being put into a given c ondition,-'a first and a second as well as a common conductor, a manuallycontrollable circuit including said first and common conductors forputting said first controldevice into its said given condition, a secondmanually controllable circuit including said second and commonconductors for putting said second control device into its said givencondition, an indication circuit including said first and sec-- andconductors and controlled by said first control devicein its givencondition, a secondindication circuitincluding saidfirst' and secondconductors and controlled by said second control device in its givencondition, means controlled by said first control device in its givencondition for directing a first traffic movement over said.

stretch, means controlled by said second control device in its givencondition for directing a, sec-j ond traflic movementover said stretchof track,

and indication means controlled by said first and.

track, a first and a second control device, a first and a second. aswell as a common conductor, a manually controllable circuit includingsaid first and common conductors for energizing'said first controldevice, a second manually controllable circuit including said second andcommon conductors for energizing said, second control device, anindication circuit including said first and second conductors and closedin response to energization of said first control device, a secondindication circuit including said. first and second conductors andclosed in response to energization,-

of said second control device, means controlled by said first controldevice in-response to its energization for directing a first trafiicmovement over said stretch of track, means controlle dlby.

said second control device. in response to its en-- ergization fordirecting a second trafiic movement; over said stretch, and indicationmeans controlled by said first and second indication circuits.

4. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first anda'second control device, a first and a second as well as a commonconductor, a

manually controllable circuit including said first device in responseto. its energization for directing a second traflic movement over saidstretch,

said first and second conductors and controlled by said second controldevice, and indication means controlled by said first and secondindication circuits.

5. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and asecond control device, a first and a second as well as a commonconductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first andcommon conductors for energizing said first control device, a secondmanually controllable circuit including said second and commonconductors for energizing said second control device, means controlledby a third circuit including said first and common conductors andcontrolled by said first control device in response to its energizationfor directing a first trafiic movement over said stretch, meanscontrolled by a fourth circuit including said second and commonconductors and controlled by said second control device in response toits energization for directing a second trafiic movement over saidstretch, an indication circuit including said first and sec ondconductors and controlled by said first control device in the energizedcondition as well as by said second control device in the deenergizedcondition, a second indication circuit including said first and secondconductors and controlled by said second control device in the energizedcondition as well as by said first control device in the deenergizedcondition, and indication means controlled by said first and secondindication circuits.

6. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and asecond control device, a first and a second as well as a commonconductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first andcommon conductors for energizing said first control device, a secondmanually controllable circuit including said second and commonconductors for energizing said second control device, trafiic governingmeans controlled by said first and second control devices in response totheir energization for directing a first or a second trafiic movementrespectively over said stretch of track, a first and a second indicationcircuit controlled by said traflic governing means while directing saidfirst or said second traffic movement respectively and each includingsaid first and second conductors, and indication means trolled by saidfirst and second indication circuits.

'L'In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and asecond control device, a first and a second as well as a commonconductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first andcommon conductors and controlled by said second control device in thedeenergized condition for energizing said first control device, a secondmanually controllable circuit including said second and commonconductors and controlled by said first control device in thedeenergized condition for energizing said second control device, meansresponsive to energization of said first control device for directing afirst trafiic movement over said stretch of track and responsive toenergization of said second control device for directing a secondtrafiic movement over said stretch of track, a first and a secondindication circuit controlled by said first and second control devicesrespectively and each including said first and second conductors, andindication means circuits.

8. In combination, a given stretch of railway track, a first and asecond control device, a first and a second as well as a commonconductor, a manually controllable circuit including said first andcommon conductors and controlled by said second control device in thedeenergized condition for energizing said first control device, a secondmaually controllable circuit including said second and common conductorsand controlled by said first control device in the deenergized conditionfor energizing said second control device, a third circuit controlled bysaid first control device and including said first and commonconductors, a fourthcircuit controlled by said second control device andincluding said second and common conductors, trafiic governing meansresponsive to energization of said third circuit for directing a firsttraific movement over said stretch of track and responsive toenergization of said fourth circuit for directing a second trafiicmovement over said stretch of track, a' first and a second indicationcircuit controlled by said first and second control devices respectivelyand each including said first and second conductors,

and indication means controlled by said first and second indicationcircuits.

9. In combination, a first and a second control device, a first and asecond as well as a common conductor, a circuit including said first andcommon conductors for energizing said first control device, a secondcircuit including said second and common conductors for energizing saidsecond control device, electroresponsive means controlled in a first ora second manner by said first and second control devices respectively inresponse to energization of said control devices, a first and a secondindication circuit controlled by said electroresponsive means when saidfirst and second control devices control said electroresponsive means insaid first or second manner respectively and each of said indicationcircuits including said first and second conductors, and indicationmeans controlled by said first and second indication circuits.

10. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, anormal and a reverse switch control relay, a first and a second as wellas a common conductor, a normal control circuit including said first andcommon conductors for energizing said normal control relay, a reversecontrol circuit including said second and common conductors forenergizing said reverse control relay, a normal switch operating circuitincluding said first and common conductors and controlled by said normalswitch control relay for effecting operation of said switch to itsnormal position in response to energization of said normal controlrelay, a reverse switch operating circuit including said second andcommon conductors and controlled by said reverse switch control relayfor effecting operation of said switch to its reverse position inresponse to energization of said reverse control relay, a normal and areverse switch indication circuit controlled by said switch in itsnormal and reverse positions respectively and each including said firstand second conductors, and indication means controlled by said normaland reverse indication circuits.

11. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, anormal and a reverse control relay, a first and a second as well as acommon conductor, a normal control circuit including said first andcommon conductors for energizing said normal control relay, a reversecontrol circuit including said second and common conductors forenergizing said reverse control relay, a normal switch operating circuitincluding said first and common conductors and controlled by said normalswitch control relay for effecting operation I of said switch to itsnormal position in response to energization of said normal controlrelay, a reverse switch operating circuit including said second andcommon conductors and controlled by said reverse switch control relayfor effecting operation of said switch to its reverse position inresponse to energization of said reverse control relay, a normal and areverse switch indication circuit controlled by said normal and reverseswitch control relays respectively and each including said first andsecond conductors, and indication means controlled by said normal andreverse switch indication circuits.

12. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, anormal and a reverse switch control relay, a first and a second as wellas a common conductor, a normal control circuit including said first andcommon conductors for energizing said normal control relay, a reversecontrol circuit including said second and common conductors forenergizing said reverse conindication means controlled by said normaland reverse switch indication circuits.

13. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, anormal and a reverse switch control relay, a first and a second as wellas a common conductor, a normal switch control circuit including saidfirst and common conductors and a back contact of said reverse controlrelay for energizing said normal control relay, a reverse switch controlcircuit including said second and common conductors and a back contactof said normal control relay for energizing said reverse control relay,means controlled by said normal and reverse switch control relays foroperating said switch toits normal and reverse positions respectively inresponse to energization of the corresponding switch control relay,a-normal switch indication circuit controlled by a front contact of saidnormal switch control relay and by a back contact of said reverse switchcontrol relay and including said first and second conductors, a reverseswitch indication circuit controlled by a front contact of, said reverseswitch control relay and by a back contact of said normal switch controlrelay and including said first and second conductors, and indicationmeans controlled by said normal and reverse switch indication circuits.

14. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, anormal and a reverse switch control relay, a normal control circuit forenergizing said normal control relay, a reverse control circuit forenergizing said reverse control'relay, power operated means controlledby said normal and reverse switch control relays for operating saidswitch to its normal and reverse positions respectively in response toenergization of the corresponding switch control relay, I switchoperating means, selector means for transferring control of said switchfrom said power operated means to said manual switch operating manual,

means and from said manual switch operatingmeans to said power operatedmeans, a contact controlled by said selector means for preventingenergization of either of said switch control relays when control ofsaid switch is transferred to said manual switch operating means, anormal and a reverse switch indication circuit energized in response toenergization of said normal and reverse switch control relaysrespectively, and indication means controlled by said normal and reverseswitch indication circuits.

15. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, anoverload relay, a normal, and a reverse switch control relay, a normaland a reverse control circuitincluding said overload relay and a sourceof current for energizing said normal and reverse switch control relays,power operated means, a normal and a reverse operating circuit alsoincluding said overload relay and said source of current and controlledby said normal and reverse switch control relays for energizing saidpower operated means for operating said switch to the normal and reverseposi tions respectively-in response to energization of the correspondingswitch control relay, manual, switch operating means, selector means fortransferring control of said switch from either of said power operatedmeans and said manual switch operating means to the other, a contactcontrolled by said selector means for preventing energization of eitherof said switch control relays when control of said switch is transferredto said manual switch operating means, other contact means controlled bysaid selector means for effecting energization of said overload relay ifan attempt is made to energize either of said switch control relayswhile said switch is controlled by said manual switch operating means,and a contact controlled by said overload relay for preventing storageof control of said switch control relays if said overload relay becomesoperated.

16. In combination, a stretch of railway track including a switch, anormal and a reverse switch control relay, an overload relay, a normaland a reverse control circuit including said overload relay and a sourceof current for energizing said normal and reverse switch control relays,power operated means, a normal and a reverse operating circuit alsoincluding said overload relay and said source of current and controlledby said normal and reverse switch control relays for energizing saidpower operated means for operating said switch to its normal and reversepositions respectively in response to energization of the correspondingswitch control relay, and a contact controlled by said overload relayfor open-v ing said normal and reverse control and operating circuits ifsaid overload relay becomes operated.

17. In combination, a railway track switch, a motor for operating saidswitch, a circuit controller having a normal and a reverse position,means controlled in conjunction with said switch for operating saidcircuit controller to its normal and reverse positions when said switchcompletes operation to its normal and reverse positions respectively, anormal and a reverse switch control relay, a normal operating circuitfor said motor including a front contact of said normal switch controlrelay and completed by said circuit controller in the reverse position,a reverse operating circuit for said motor including a front contact ofsaid reverse switch control relay and completed by said circuitcontroller in the normal position, a normal snubb-ing circuit for saidmotor including a resistor and a back contact of said reverse switchcontrol relay and completed by said circuit controller in the normalposition, a reverse snubbing circuit for said motor including a resistorand a back contact of said normal switch control relay and completed bysaid circuit controller in the reverse position, and means operated bysaid motor for moving said switch to 'the normal and reverse positionswhen said mo-- tor is energized by its normal and reverse operatingcircuits respectively.

18. In combination, a railway track switch, a motor for operating saidswitch, a circuit controller having a normal and a reverse position,means controlled in conjunction with said switch for operating saidcircuit controller to its normal and reverse positions when said switchcompletes operation to its normal and reverse positions respectively, anormal and a reverse switch control relay, a normal operating circuitfor said motor including a front contact of said normal switch controlrelay and completed by said circuit controller in the reverse position,a reverse operating circuit for said motor including a front contact ofsaid reverse switch control relay and completed by said circuitcontroller in the normal position, a normal snubb-ing circuit for saidmotor including a resistor and a back contact of said reverse switchcon-trol relay and completed by said circuit controller in the normalposition, a reverse snubbing circuit for said motor including a resistorand a back contact of said normal switch control relay and completed bysaid circuit controller in the reverse position, and means operated bysaid motor for moving said switch to its normal and reverse positionswhen said motor is operated by its normal and reverse operating circuitsrespectively.

19. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a first and a secondsignal for governing trafiic movements in opposite directions over saidstretch, a first and a second signal control relay, a first and a secondas well as a common conductor, a circuit including said first and commonconductors for energizing said first signal control relay, a secondcircuit including said second and common conductors for energizing saidsecond signal control relay, a first indication circuit including saidfirst and second conductors closed by said first signal when said firstsignal displays an indication other than stop, a second indicationcircuit including said first and second conductors closed by said secondsignal when said second signal displays an indication other than stop,indication means controlled by said first and second indicationcircuits, and means controlled by said first and second signal controlrelays upon becoming energized for controlling said first and secondsignals respectively to display an indication other than stop.

20. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a first and a secondsignal for governing trafiic movements in opposite directions over saidstretch, a first and a second signal control relay, a first and a secondas well as a common conductor, a circuit including said first and commonconductors for energizing said first signal control relay, a secondcircuit including said second and commonconductors for energizing saidsecond signal control relay, a first indication circuit including saidfirst and second conductors as Well as a front contact of said firstsignal control relay, a second indication circuit including said secondand common conductors as well as a front contact of said second signalcontrol relay, indication means controlled by said first and secondindication circuits, and means controlled by said first and secondsignal control relays upon becoming energized for clearing said firstand second signals respectively. 7

21. In combination, a stretch of railway track, a first and a secondsignal for governing trafiic movements in opposite directions over saidstretch, a first and a second signal control relay, a first and a secondas well as a common conductor, a circuit including said first and commonconductors for energizing said first signal control relay, a secondcircuit including said second and common conductors for energizing saidsecond signal control relay, a first indication circuit including saidfirst and second conductors closed when said first signal is controlledto display an indication other than stop, a second indication circuitincluding said first and second conductors closed when said secondsignal is controlled to display an indication other than stop, anoperating circuit including said first and common conductors andcontrolled by a front contact of said first signal control relay forcontrolling said first signal to display an indication other than stop,and means controlled by a front contact of said second signal controlrelay for controlling said second signal to display an indication otherthan stop.

22. In combination, a signal operable from a first to a second position,a stick relay, a pick-up circuit for energizing said relay closed bysaid signal when said signal occupies its first position, a stickcircuit for retaining said relay in its energized condition whichremains closed by said signal while said signal is operated from itsfirst position nearly to its second position, and indication meanscontrolled by said stick relay.

EARL M. ALLEN.

